More than 7,400 people were taken to hospital across Japan for heatstroke last week, as a severe heatwave continues to grip the country.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency says 7,424 people were brought to hospital for heatstroke between August 21 and 27. The number surpassed 7,000 for the third straight week. It was 2.5 times as many as the same period last year.

Seven people died and 2,386 required hospitalization.

Among prefectures, Hokkaido had the largest number at 935. The northernmost prefecture had only 36 heatstroke patients in the same period last year.

Last week's tally in Tokyo was 410, Osaka came in at 379, Hyogo reported 342 and Aichi Prefecture had 305 patients.

Agency officials say the number of heatstroke patients usually declines in late August, but this year, it is still increasing.

They are calling on people to keep hydrated and stay indoors if a heatstroke alert is issued in their area.

Weather officials forecast scorching heat for most of Japan in September as well.